STUDENT COMMUNITY OFFICERS

The figure head for their community

INTERNATIONAL OFFICER

Anini Shamayeeta Subhana she/her

Approachable | Cheery | Empathetic

Why do you want to represent your community?

As an international student, I recognise the necessity for representation in a place away from home. I often have felt unheard, unaware settling in so I would be honored to help more international students feel heard, represented and their opinions recognised with more events and more room for feedback and insights. I will ensure the student body knows their opinions are valued and are taken seriously. I intend on introducing more events with the SU to formulate more socials and celebrate diversity instead of hiding it. As an individual who loves to showcase her culture in an area with lesser exposure to such, I want to take this role and ensure more people who feel like they don't belong, belong.

How would you aim to engage with your community?

I intend on asking people around what changes they would like to see, what we can do better as a community, take insights on what already exists and how we can improve them tailoring these initiatives to more suit the international community. Since Essex has a multicultural student body, I want to inform people they can bring up and and every concern to me and those will be heard and taken into account. I'd also make sure students can contribute to ideas and have their voices heard. Instead of international students feeling isolated, I would engage using more events and more initiatives to ensure everyone feels seen, heard and taken care of. As Essex is our new home away from home, I would make an active effort to make people feel at home.

Natalie Nguyen she/her

Ambitious | Empathetic | Reliable

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Why do you want to represent your community?

I am an international student from the US studying human rights and politics. My lifelong goal is to represent those who cannot speak for themselves, and to do so through listening and learning. I find it important to not only speak up for others, but to create space for their voices. Within our community, I want to support international students and help build a meaningful, connected experience abroad through advocacy and global understanding. The Student Union is not simply a platform for events, but a space where global impact can begin through representation and shared purpose. Additionally, I would like to create an environment of clear, welcoming, and informative discussion around our differences and misunderstandings that arise in an international world often marked by confusion and apathy. Our generation must learn to overcome this. International students are vital to keeping our world connected and should feel empowered because of this.

How would you aim to engage with your community?

I aim to focus on making campus more inclusive, supportive, and connected for international students and the wider student body. Too often, incoming groups face stigma, isolation, or misunderstanding when navigating life in a new country. I want to challenge that by starting with our own campus. My focus is on bridging the gap between international and non-international students, encouraging shared understanding and mutual respect. I believe our university should reflect the global community we are part of, not just in numbers, but in how we treat each other. By addressing the barriers that divide us and amplifying the voices that often go unheard, we can build a campus culture rooted in inclusion, clarity, and connection.

POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH OFFICER

Edward Lee he/him

Make Some Noise

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Why do you want to represent your community?

I want to represent the postgraduate community to assure the quality of our student experience. I have thoroughly enjoyed my four years at Essex, however I am concerned that the retrenchment caused by a reduction in student numbers has degraded student services. Recently the SU was informed of the Art Exchange closure. Informed not Consulted. This closure impacts the student experience, the well-being of students and the University’s academic offering, e.g. MA Curating is not running. The SU should be consulted on all changes which significantly impact the student experience. The reduction and, in LiFTS at least, complete absence of Assistant Lecturer posts is a barrier to recruiting postgraduates aspiring to an academic future. The University should not make cuts which stimulate a downward spiral of loss but work with the SU to ensure the best possible student experience thereby encouraging students to join and remain as postgraduates at Essex.

How would you aim to engage with your community?

Many PostGrads juggle family life, work and finances alongside their studies. Some are very distant, giving no opportunity for communal events. As an SU rep in LiFTS I know that many also feel isolated, with Zoom a barely satisfactory option. I am an advocate of interdisciplinary study, my Bachelors is in Science, my Masters in Art. I particularly value meeting students from other disciplines, so intend to encourage engagement between students and researchers across the various University departments. I intend to be available to listen to your issues and to actively encourage improvement of the university experience, opposing all actions which will lead to further academic shrinkflation, working to the short, and long term, benefit of everyone at the University. As a PostGrad, it is very likely that your complete focus is on your studies rather than the social aspects of university life. I want to support you in both.

WOMEN'S OFFICER

Victoria Cantyshe/her

Empowering | Supportive | Approachable

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Why do you want to represent your community?

I understand the struggles that women face on a daily basis. I know what it feels like to feel unsafe or unheard – especially in male-dominated spaces – and I want to help change that. I’m passionate about making our university a more inclusive, empowering, and safe environment where every woman feels supported, valued, and listened to. As Women’s Officer, I’d work with the SU and societies to ensure all social spaces feel safe and inclusive for all women, while addressing any issues you bring forward. I know how important representation is – it’s about listening, understanding, and working together to create positive change. I hope to be an approachable, supportive voice for all women across all backgrounds and identities.

How would you aim to engage with your community?

I want students to feel comfortable coming to me with their thoughts, concerns, or any ideas in general! I intend to use social media to keep everyone in the loop about any exciting events happening across campus, promote important campaigns, and share important updates with the community. I also aim to post anonymous feedback forms online and across campus about campus safety, facilities, student activities, and the overall student experience, so women feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns. I aim to collaborate with societies and the SU events team to create inclusive, welcoming events throughout the year that celebrate women's achievements and strengthen our sense of community.